Zhejiang University Library: Where knowledge meets creation

The students have even taken the traditional craft into the digital world. Computer science students involved in the club developed a mini-program that allows the public to experience "a day in the life of an ancient-book restorer" online and learn about the centuries-old craft.

Zhejiang University Library traces its origins to the library of Qiushi Academy, established in 1897. By the end of 2025, its physical collection had reached 7.039 million volumes, including more than 180,000 volumes of thread-bound ancient books.

More than a century after its founding, the library's young visitors are no longer simply readers.

They are developing AI applications, bringing classics to the stage, curating exhibitions and restoring ancient books.

From reading to "making", books remain the starting point — a way to understand the world, discover oneself and explore a wider horizon.

And as students turn what they find in the library into new ideas, works and tools, they are also opening up new possibilities for the library itself.

Contact the writer at chenye@chinadaily.com.cn